Downtown Development Authority Minutes

Absent: Rick Shaffner (excused)

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, DDA Director Lori Ward, Assistant City Manager/ Finance Director Nickie Bateson, DPW Director Jim Gallogly, School Board President Joan Wadsworth, Matt Jobin of Rich and Associates, reporters from the Northville Record and Northville Journal, and two citizens.

Approval of Minutes: There being no corrections or additions, the minutes of the January 20, 2004 meeting were approved.

Hutton Park Fountain / Sculpture Project – Ken Naigus

Mr. Naigus was unable to attend the meeting. The matter was referred to a future meeting.

Sign Update / Sue Dillon - Sue Dillon of Graphic Visions presented two prototypes of the parking sign; one with white lettering on a black background, one with gold lettering on a black background. The group chose the gold lettering on a black background. Ms. Dillon will return at the next meeting with cost estimates for a specific number of parking signs and a directory kiosk.

Parking Credit Fee Adjustment – Director Ward reported that the Parking Subcommittee reviewed and concurred with the recommendation to increase the fees for parking credits.

Discussion points centered on

- the purpose of the parking credit policy,

- the difficulties involved in possibly eliminating the parking credit system,

- encouraging development and accommodating parking requirements,

- method of calculation in determining the number of parking spaces required.

Motion Presley, seconded by DeHaan to ask the Planning Commission to revisit the formula for applying square footage to parking requirements with a request that usuable square footage be applied versus gross square footage. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion Long, seconded by LaChance to place on hold the matter of increasing the price of parking credits until the Planning Commission addresses the square footage parking requirements. Yes: Margene Buckhave, Jim DeHaan, Lynda Heaton, Lou LaChance, Dave Larsen, Jim Long, Greg Presley. No: Johnson. Motion carried.

Parking Fine Adjustment Proposal - Discussion centered on possible methods to discourage downtown employees from using the parking fine as a "fee" for parking in the downtown. A possible solution is a hand-held "computer" for police patrol to enable immediate access to records. This would identify habitual violators and warrant higher traffic fines. Additional research and information is needed prior to making a recommendation.

Parking Expansion Program Discussion – Matt Jobin of Rich & Associates presented two deck options for two locations; one deck at Wing Street between Main and Dunlap, and one deck behind the Marquis Theatre. The difference between the two deck options was in the manner of construction. A table-top deck would be two floors and would be constructed in a manner that would not allow further expansion. The "sloped floor" deck is similar in design (i.e. looks like a table top) but is constructed in a manner to allow future upward expansion. The difference in cost between the two types of construction was estimated at $5-$7 per square foot.

Comments and questions centered on design elements, number of net parking spaces realized, the factors included and not included in the cost estimate, and ability to fund the project. Staff was directed to compose a list of capital improvements anticipated for future years, and the construction costs for each option. It was proposed that a special joint meeting be scheduled with the City Council, Planning Commission, and Historic District Commission to discuss the proposed options. A tentative date of March 23 at 7:00 p.m. will be suggested to the City Council.

Sidewalk and Curb Modifications – Last November, the DDA determined that the sidewalk and curb on West Main Street (in front of the MGM building) should be reconfigured to allow for parallel parking. It is estimated that the cost of such reconfiguration will be $15,000.

Motion Presley, seconded by DeHaan to approve the advertising for bids for the adjustment of curb and sidewalk along W. Main Street adjacent to the MGM building, for an amount not the exceed $15,000. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by Buckhave to approve the payment of $17,000 for the installation of the street lights on E. Main and Griswold, adjacent to R&D Enterprises. Motion carried unanimously.

Presley requested permission to work with DPW Director Gallogly on a proposal that would reconfigure the parking lot between Northville Rehabilitation Center and the new bank (Main and Hutton area). Ward stated the DDA FY04/05 budget would be discussed at the next meeting and it would be appropriate to present the proposal at that time.

Motion LaChance, seconded by Long to move the scheduled meeting of March from March 9^th to March 16, 2004. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Recording Secretary